Several new restaurants began operation recently in Fort Smith, including a 40-foot-long burger truck with an extensive Arkansas hamburger history and two Southern food family restaurants.

Patrick’s Butcher Boy Burgers takes its name from owner Micah Bubbus’ grandfather Patrick, who was a butcher. The burger truck is a family affair, being associated with cousins and uncles who run CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers in Russellville and David’s Burgers in Little Rock and North Little Rock.

Old man Patrick handed down the secrets of creating the perfect burger, specifically, the use of Grade-A chuck beef that has never been frozen. All the meat is fresh ground on the spot.

"The key to it is we keep it fresh," Bubbus said. "We keep it simple, and like to do a few things the best."

Specialty frying potatoes are used with 100 percent canola oil for the fries, and Bubbus shoots for an average ticket time of five to seven minutes. When people pay with debit cards, it slows things down, he said.

Burger, fries and drink combos run from $8 to $9 or $6 for kids, and $5.25 for a single burger and $6.25 for a double burger. Patrick’s Butcher Boy Burgers also offers shakes and malts.

Patrick’s can usually be found parked in front of Harp’s at 3401 S. 74th St., but having the benefit of pulling up anchor it can move around. Recently, it moved over to Weldon, Williams and Lick publishing company at 711 N. A St. to test the waters downtown before moving back to the Harp’s parking lot this week. Patrick’s Butcher Boy Burgers updates customers of its location on its Facebook page, but Bubbus said he intends to stay at the Harp’s location for at least the next four months.

Jennings On The Avenue

A family-style restaurant run by a family, Jennings on the Avenue recently opened at 36 Sheraton Plaza, behind Furr’s Fresh Buffet on Rogers Avenue.

Jennings on the Avenue also has a mouth-watering menu up on its Facebook page, with sandwiches like a corned beef pastrami layered with serrano peppers, Swiss cheese on marble rye, and Frank’s Po’ Boy with a mountain of veggies: grilled peppers, Portobello mushroom, red onion, zucchini and squash on lettuce. Entrees include a range of chicken dishes — like fried and grilled and parsley lemon — as well as catfish, pork chops and beans with ham.

Also steeped in Arkansas history, Jerry Jennings was on the 1968 Arkansas Razorback football team, and was recently honored at the Southwest Conference and Sugar Bowl Champions 45th year reunion.

Garrison Avenue Eatery

Bigg Hogg’s Basket, 1000 Garrison Ave., is another family-owned restaurant that recently opened downtown at the location formerly holding the Hot Dog Hut.

Its hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free delivery is offered in the city. A reviewer at UrbanSpoon.com for Bigg Hogg’s Basket raves about the brisket and catfish.

Bigg Hogg’s offers barbecue baskets that range in price from $5.50 to $9, or fish and chicken baskets that range from $7.50 to $8. Their "piglet" kids meals are $3 and come with a juice box and fries. Several styles of hot dogs are also available, from the Chicago-style hot dog to a BLT hot dog for $4, and regular hot dogs for $2.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Follow Us

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Times Record ~ 5111 Rogers Ave., Suite 471, Fort Smith, AR 72903 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service